|
|
|
|
|
|
him? There had been no gratitude in Sir Peter's face when Lord Ian told him Owain would serve as his squire, since his own were gone. It had been clear enough, from Owain's lack of protest and his expression of grim satisfaction, that his real business was to make sure Sir Peter did not weaken his section of the wall by a half-hearted defense or premature yielding. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Owain was safe enough, however, even somewhat less exhausted than Geoffrey, because the attack on the rear had been lighter. That section was well away from the easy entrance of the great gates at which the ram had been battering. Scaling ladders had been used, but only enough men climbed them to ensure that no help could be sent to those who defended the forepart of the walls. Owain nodded at Geoffrey's message and walked a little way with him. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"Tell our lord that Sir Peter is firm enough in defenseor has been so far. He has not tried to rid himself of me, and he has done his best to shield me as I have done to shield him. Of course, I do not know whether this is a feint to convince us that he is truebut I think not. I do not think he is clever enough for such an idea. The only thing I do not like is that he is not trying to shield himself. I thinkI think he would be well pleased to catch his death upon these walls." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
They parted, and Geoffrey continued his round and his sad count. Ian was still standing when he returned, breathing much more easily, but staring anxiously toward the enemy camp. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"Pass the word," he said to Geoffrey as soon as he saw him, "no man save the sore wounded may leave the walls for any reason. Even if he must piss or shit, he must do it here. I think they will come on us again while they are still hot and eager and while they think we are disordered." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Geoffrey walked the few yards to the first knot of men-at-arms and repeated his message. He did not fear it would become garbled in transmission from one group |
|
|
|
|
|